US20240361019A1

US20240361019A1 - Humidifier

Info

Publication number: US20240361019A1
Application number: US18/644,309
Authority: US
Inventors: Junehee KIM; Myungjin Ku; Sunggon Kim; Geunnam LIM
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2023-04-27
Filing date: 2024-04-24
Publication date: 2024-10-31
Also published as: EP4455571A1

Abstract

A humidifier may include a water tank that stores water, at least one humidifying water tank disposed under the water tank that produces humidified air from water supplied from the water tank, an inner shell that forms a space in which the water tank is disposed, the inner shell being spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the water tank, an exhaust tube that extends upward to guide humidified air produced in the at least one humidifying water tank to a discharge channel formed between the water tank and the inner shell, and a sealer disposed to seal a portion between the exhaust tube and the inner shell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2023-0055155 filed in Korea on Apr. 27, 2023, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A humidifier is disclosed herein.

2. Background

A humidifier is a device that discharges humidified air having a high moisture content by vaporizing water. Humidifiers can produce humidified air by vaporizing water using natural vaporization, heating vaporization, and ultrasonic vibration.
Such vaporization types each have advantages and disadvantages. As for natural vaporization, it has a problem in that a user has to frequently manage a humidification medium that is used.
As for heating vaporization, a problem of safety accidents may be generated when hot humidified air is directly discharged. As for vaporization by ultrasonic vibration, it has a problem in that as supplied water is atomized by ultrasonic vibration, humidified air may not smoothly flow into an interior, a problem in that when non-sterilized water is used for humidification, unpleasant humidified air may flow into an interior, and a problem in that ultrasonic oscillators are vulnerable to high-temperature heat.
Further, vaporization by ultrasonic vibration has a problem in that water may splash up due to vibration generated by an oscillator. Accordingly, a specific structure is not disposed at an upper portion of a water tank in which an ultrasonic oscillator is disposed, except for a channel through which humidified air is discharged.
A humidifier that humidifies water supplied from a water tank through heating and ultrasonic vibration has been disclosed in Korean Patent No. KR 10-0158806, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Even in this structure, except for a discharge channel through which air flows, a specific structure is not disposed at an upper portion at which an ultrasonic oscillator is disposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the humidifier of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line III-III′ of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a water tank, an inner shell, and a middle tray according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the middle tray according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side perspective view showing the water tank, the inner shell, and the middle tray coupled according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coupled state of a humidifying module and the middle tray according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing the middle tray and the inner shell disposed over the humidifying module according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 8 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The advantages and features of embodiments, and methods of achieving them will be clear by referring to the exemplary embodiments that will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described hereafter and may be implemented in various ways, the exemplary embodiments are provided to complete the description and let those skilled in the art completely know the scope, and the embodiments are defined by the claims. Like reference numerals indicate like components throughout the specification.
Hereinafter, embodiments of a humidifier will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an entire configuration of a humidifier is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .
A humidifier may vaporize water using ultrasonic vibration. A humidifier may discharge humidified air by heating water. A humidifier may discharge humidified air produced by ultrasonic vibration and humidified air produced by heating.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , a humidifier may include a case 10 forming an external shape and having an inlet 24 a and an outlet 12 a, a filter device disposed in the case 10 that filters air suctioned into the inlet 24 a, a blower 60 disposed in the case 10 that blows air in the case 10 from the inlet 24 a to the outlet 12 a, a water tank 100 disposed in the case 10 that stores water, and a humidifying module that is supplied with water from the water tank 100 and producing humidified air.
The humidifying module may include a first humidifying water tank 300 that heats water, and a second humidifying water tank 350 that produces humidified air from water. The humidifying module may include a humidifying module housing 410 that circumferentially covers the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350. A channel housing 430 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the humidifying module housing 410. A blower channel 70 may be formed between the humidifying module housing 410 and the channel housing 430. Hereinafter, a configuration and arrangement of the humidifying module will be described.
The entire case 10 may have a cylindrical shape, for example. The case 10 may include an intake grill 24 forming the inlet 24 a through which air flows into the humidifier and a discharge grill 12 forming the outlet 12 a through which air is discharged from the humidifier.
The inlet 24 a may be formed on a circumferential surface of the case 10 having the cylindrical shape. The outlet 12 a may be formed on a top surface of the case 10 having the cylindrical shape. The humidifier may suction air through the circumferential surface and discharge air through the top surface.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the intake grill 24 may cover outer sides of a filter 50 and a blower housing 68 described hereinafter. A plurality of inlets 24 a formed in an upward-downward direction and circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be formed on the intake grill 24. The inlets 24 a may be formed around the filter 50. The inlets 24 a may be formed on a lower portion of the intake grill 24. The inlets 24 a may be formed on the lower portion of the intake grill 24 and an upper portion of the intake grill 24 may be closed to protect an inside of the humidifier.
A plurality of grills 24 b that extend in the upward-downward direction may be disposed at the intake grill 24. The plurality of grills 24 b may be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the intake grill 24. A plurality of inlets 24 a may be formed between the plurality of grills 24 b.
The intake grill 24 may be divided into a lower intake grill section 25 a at which the inlets 24 a are formed and an upper intake grill section 25 b disposed over the lower intake grill section 25 a. A display 30 described hereinafter may be disposed at the upper intake grill section 25 b. The upper intake grill section 25 b may cover outer sides of the blower housing 68 and the humidifying module described hereinafter.
The humidifier may include the discharge grill 12 forming the outlet 12 a and a water tank cover 14 disposed over the water tank 100. The discharge grill 12 may be separated upward from an outer shell 22 described hereinafter. The water tank cover 14 may be separated from the discharge grill 12 or the water tank 100. The discharge grill 12 may include a plurality of ribs 12 b that radially extends from an outer circumferential portion of the water tank cover 14. The plurality of ribs 12 b disposed at the discharge grill 12 may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other on an outer circumference surface of the water tank cover 14.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the water tank cover 14 may include a center cover 16, and an edge cover 18 disposed around the center cover 16. The center cover 16 may have a structure that becomes convex upward as it extends to a center. A water supply hole 20 through which water flows into the water tank 100 may be formed between the edge cover 18 and the center cover 16.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the discharge grill 12 may be disposed over a first discharge channel 32 and over a second discharge channel 34 described hereinafter. The plurality of outlets 12 a may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12 b disposed at the discharge grill 12.
The discharge grill 12 may have a predetermined height in the upward-downward direction. Accordingly, mixing channels 13 may be formed between the plurality of ribs 12 b disposed at the discharge grill 12. Air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 and air flowing through the second discharge channel 34 may be mixed in the mixing channels 13.
Each of the plurality of ribs 12 b may be formed such that a height of an outer circumferential end is larger than a height of an inner circumferential end. Accordingly, air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 and the second discharge channel 34 may be guided radially inward.
The case 10 may include the outer shell 22 that guides air flowing therein to the outlets 12 a. The outer shell 22 may form an inner shell 180 described hereinafter and the second discharge channel 34.
The outer shell 22 may include an upper outer shell 22 a disposed under the discharge grill 12 and a lower outer shell 22 b disposed under the upper outer shell 22 a. The lower outer shell 22 b may be made of a transparent material, for example.
The case 10 may include a bottom wall 26 that covers an underside of the intake grill 24. The humidifier may include a base 28 disposed under the case 10 that spaces the bottom wall 26 a predetermined distance apart from the ground. An upper end portion of the base 28 may be connected with the bottom wall 26. The bottom wall 26 may cover a bottom surface of the humidifier spaced apart upward from the ground from the base 28.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the display 30 may be disposed on a side of the case 10. The display 30 enables a user to control a power or operation of the humidifier. A display that shows an operation state, for example, of the humidifier to a user may be disposed at the display 30.
The filter device may filter air suctioned inside through the inlets 24 a using the filter 50. The filter device may blow filtered air upward.
Referring to FIG. 3 , the filter device may include the filter 50 that filters air that is suctioned into the inlets 24 a, and a filter mount that fixes the filter 50 in the case 10. The filter 50 may have a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the filter 50 may filter air that is suctioned in front, rear, left, and right directions perpendicular to the upward-downward direction. Air suctioned into the inlet 24 a may flow to an internal space of the filter 50. Air that has passed through the filter 50 may flow to the blower 60 disposed over the filter 50.
The filter mount may include a lower plate 52 disposed under the filter 50, an upper plate 54 disposed on the filter 50, and supporters (not shown) that connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The lower plate 52 may be disposed under the filter 50. The lower plate 50 may sense whether the filter 50 is disposed while moving up and down. A fan sterilizer 53 that emits ultraviolet light upward may be disposed at a center of the lower plate 52. The fan sterilizer 53 may sterilize a blower fan 62 described hereinafter or an inside of the filter 50.
An orifice 56 may be formed on the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may be formed at a center of the upper plate 54. The orifice 56 may divert air flowing in the filter 50 to the blower fan 62. An inner circumferential end of the upper plate 54 may have an upwardly bending shape to guide air flowing upward through the internal space of the filter 50 to the blower fan 62.
The supporters 58 may connect the lower plate 52 and the upper plate 54. The supporters may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other.
The blower 60 may include the blower fan 62 that generates an airflow in the case 10 and a fan motor 64 that rotates the blower fan 62. Referring to FIG. 3 , the blower fan 62 may include a fan suction port at a side facing the orifice 56 and a fan discharge port opposite to the fan intake port. As the blower fan 62, a mixed flow fan a fan discharge port of which faces a center of a circle at an opposite side to the fan intake port may be used. The blower fan 62 may include a hub connected with the fan motor 64, a shroud spaced a predetermined distance apart from the hub and forming the fan intake port, and a blade that radially extends to connect the hub and the shroud.
The blower fan 62 may operate to blow air upward from a lower portion thereof. The blower fan 62 may suction air toward the orifice 56 and discharge air toward the blower housing 68 in which a diffuser 72 may be disposed.
The fan motor 64 may be disposed over the blower fan 62. The blower 60 may include a motor cover 66 that covers an outer side of the fan motor 64 and the blower housing 68 which is spaced apart radially outward from the motor cover 66 and guides upward the air blown by the blower fan 62.
A blower channel 70 through which the air blown by the blower fan 62 flows upward may be formed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68. The blower channel 70 may extend to a region in which the humidifying module housing 410 and the channel housing 430 are formed. The intake grill 24 may be disposed outside of the blower housing 68.
The blower 60 may include the diffuser 72 that is disposed between the motor cover 66 and the blower housing 68 and reduce a rotational component of the air blown upward by the blower fan 62. A plurality of diffusers 72 may be disposed to be circumferentially spaced.
A control box 74 that forms a space in which a circuit board 76 is disposed may be disposed over the motor cover 66. The control box 74 may be spaced apart inward from the blower housing 68. Accordingly, the blower channel 70 may be formed also in the space between the control box 74 and the blower housing 68. A plurality of circuit board 76 may be disposed in the control box 74.
A water tank, an inner shell, and a middle tray will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4 . The humidifier may include the water tank 100 which forms a space in which water is stored, the inner shell 180 which forms a space in which the water tank 100 is disposed, and a middle tray 200 disposed under the inner shell 180.
The water tank 100 may include an inner water tank 102 disposed in an outer water tank 160. A connector holder 132 may be disposed in a through-hole 164 of the outer water tank 160.
The outer water tank 160 may be disposed within the inner shell 180 over the middle tray 200. The middle tray 200 may support the inner shell 180, the outer water tank 160, and the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, a load of the inner water tank 102, the outer water tank 160, and the inner shell 180 may be transmitted to the middle tray 200.
The outer water tank 160 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the inner water tank 102. The through-hole 164 may be formed on a bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 and some components of a connector 120 may be disposed under the outer water tank 160 through the through-hole 164.
A pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 and a second water tank protrusion 168 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the outer water tank 160. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b may be disposed opposite to each other with the through-hole 164 therebetween. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b may transmit the load of the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160 to weight sensors 212 a and 212 b of the middle tray 200 described hereinafter. The pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b may transmit the load of the inner water tank 102 and the outer water tank 160 to the weight sensors 212 a and 212 b (see FIG. 6 ) directly or indirectly through the inner shell 180. The second water tank protrusion 168 may be disposed between the pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b.
The inner shell 180 may form a space in which the water tank 100 is disposed. A shell through-hole 184 may be formed on a bottom surface of the inner shell 180. The shell through-hole 184 may be disposed under the through-hole 164 of the outer water tank 160. The connector 120 may be disposed in the shell through-hole 184.
A pair of first shell protrusions 188 a and 188 b in which the pair of first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 b of the outer water tank 160 may be mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. The pair of first shell protrusions 188 a and 188 b may protrude downward from the bottom surface of the inner shell 180.
A second shell protrusion 190 in which the second water tank protrusion 168 of the outer water tank 160 may be mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. A space in which the second water tank protrusion 168 may be inserted may be formed in the second shell protrusion 190.
An exhaust connection tube 192 formed such that humidified air discharged from the humidifying module flows therethrough may be disposed on the bottom surface of the inner shell 180. An exhaust connection tube hole 194 may be formed in the exhaust connection tube 192.
The middle tray 200 may be disposed under the inner shell 180. A first hole 204 through which a supply tube 230 may be disposed may be formed on the middle tray 200. The first hole 204 may be formed at a center of a tray plate 202.
A second hole 208 through which humidified air discharged from the second humidifying water tank 350 flows may be formed on the middle tray 200. The second hole 208 may be disposed at a position radially spaced apart from the first hole 204.
Hereafter, a middle tray will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . The humidifier may include the middle tray 200 that separates a region in which the water tank 100 is disposed and a region in which the humidifying module is disposed. The middle tray 200 may sense a level of water stored in the water tank 100. The middle tray 200 may emit light to humidified air that is discharged.
The middle tray 200 may be disposed under the water tank 100. The middle tray 200 may be disposed over a second humidifying water tank wall 352 or a first humidifying water tank wall 302 described hereinafter. The weight sensors 212 a and 212 b which sense the level of water in the water tank 100 as a weight may be disposed at the middle tray 200.
A lamp 216 (see FIG. 6 ) that emits light toward the first discharge channel 32 may be disposed at the middle tray 200. The middle tray 200 may include the tray plate 202 and a lamp housing 218 that is circumferentially disposed outside of the tray plate 202 and in which the lamp 216 is disposed.
The first hole 204 through which the supply tube 230 is disposed may be formed at a first side on the tray plate 202. The first hole 204 may be formed at a center of the tray plate 202. A portion of the supply tube 230 may be disposed over the first hole 204. The connector 120 of the inner water tank 102 may be connected to the supply tube 230 disposed over the first hole 204.
A first flange 206 that protrudes upward from the tray plate 202 may be disposed around the first hole 204. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water flowing on the tray plate 202 from flowing under the middle tray 200.
The second hole 208 through which humidified air discharged from the second humidifying water tank 350 flows may be formed at a second side on the tray plate 202. A second flange 210 that protrudes upward from the tray plate 202 may be disposed around the second hole 208. The second flange 210 may prevent water flowing on the tray plate 202 from flowing under the middle tray 200 through the second hole 208.
The lamp housing 218 may be disposed around the tray plate 202. The lamp housing 218 may be formed in a ring shape, for example. The lamp 216 that emits light upward may be disposed inside of the lamp housing 218. A side of the lamp housing 218 may be made of a material that transmits the light emitted from the lamp 216.
The middle tray 200 may cover tops of the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350. The middle tray 200 may form a space in which the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350 are disposed by being coupled with the humidifying module housing 410 described hereinafter.
The water tank, the inner shell, and the middle tray will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 6 . The inner water tank 102 may be disposed in the outer water tank 160. When the inner water tank 102 is disposed in the outer water tank 160, an outer circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102 may be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer water tank 160.
The outer water tank 160 may be circumferentially disposed outside of the inner water tank 102. The outer water tank 160 may be disposed to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize condensate water that is produced on the outer circumferential portion of the inner water tank 102.
An upper end portion 162 of the outer water tank 160 may be spaced apart from the inner water tank 102. That is, the upper end portion 162 of the outer water tank 160 may be formed such that a radial expansion ratio increases as it extends upward.
A water softener 140 may be disposed in the inner water tank 102. The water softener 140 may be connected with the connector 120 disposed in the inner water tank 102, whereby the water softener 140 may be fixed. A gasket 152 may be disposed at an upper end portion of the water softener 140 to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner water tank 102. Accordingly, water flowing in the inner water tank 102 may flow down through the water softener 140.
The inner shell 180 may be spaced apart from the outer water tank 160. The inner shell 180 may be spaced apart from the water tank 100. The first discharge channel 32 through which humidified air flows may be formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160.
The first water tank protrusions 170 a and 170 of the outer water tank 160 may be inserted into the first shell protrusions 188 a and 188 b of the inner shell 180, whereby the outer water tank 160 may be fixed. The inner shell 180 may have a structure to which a load of the outer water tank 160, the inner water tank 102, and the water softener 140 may be transmitted.
The first discharge channel 32 may be formed between the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160. Humidified air produced in the second humidifying water tank 350 or the first humidifying water tank 300 described hereinafter may flow through the first discharge channel 32. The inner shell 180 may be made of a transparent material, for example.
The inner shell 180 may be disposed over the middle tray 200. The weight sensors 212 a and 212 b may be disposed on the middle tray 200 at portions that are in contact with the inner shell 180. The weight sensors 212 a and 212 b may sense the level of water stored in the inner water tank 102 by sensing the load of the inner shell 180, the outer water tank 160, the inner water tank 102, and the water softener 140.
The first shell protrusions 188 a and 188 b of the inner shell 180 may be disposed on the weight sensors 212 a and 212 b of the middle tray 200.
The first hole 204 may be formed on the middle tray 200. The first hole 204 may be disposed at the center of the middle tray 200. The supply tube 230 may be disposed through the first hole 204 of the middle tray 200.
The middle tray 200 may include the tray plate 202 disposed under the inner shell 180 and the lamp housing 218 disposed around the tray plate 202. The lamp housing 218 may be disposed around the tray plate 202. The lamp housing 218 may have a ring-shaped structure, for example. The lamp housing 218 may protrude upward from the tray plate 202.
The lamp 216 that emits light upward may be disposed inside of the lamp housing 218. A plurality of lamps 216 circumferentially spaced apart from each other may be disposed in a ring-shaped space formed by the lamp housing 218. The lamp 216 may emit light to the upper portion at which the inner shell 180 is disposed.
The lamp 216 may emit light to the first discharge channel 32 formed by the inner shell 180 and the outer water tank 160. Accordingly, humidified air flowing through the first discharge channel 32 may be visually seen from the outside.
Flow paths between the water tank, the inner shell, and outer shell will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7 . Humidified air produced in the second humidifying water tank 350 or the first humidifying water tank 300 may flow to the first discharge channel 32 through the exhaust tube 382. Humidified air may be discharged outside through the first discharge channel 32. Further, condensate water produced in the first discharge channel 32 may flow into the second humidifying water tank 350 through the exhaust tube 382. The exhaust tube 382 disposed over the second humidifying water tank wall 352 may be disposed under the second hole 208 of the middle tray 200.
The inner shell 180 and the outer shell 22 may be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming the second discharge channel 34. Filtered clean air blown by the blower 60 may flow through the second discharge channel 34.
The second shell protrusion 190 in which the second water tank protrusion 168 of the outer water tank 160 may be mounted may be disposed at the inner shell 180. A space in which the second water tank protrusion 168 is inserted may be formed in the second shell protrusion 190.
The exhaust connection tube 192 that guides humidified air discharged from the second humidifying water tank 350 to the first discharge channel 32 may be disposed at the inner shell 180. The exhaust connection tube 192 may extend downward from the bottom surface of the inner shell 180. The exhaust connection tube 192 may have a shape corresponding to the exhaust tube 382.
A lower end portion of the exhaust connection tube 192 may be connected with an upper end portion of the exhaust tube 382. The lower end portion of the exhaust connection tube 192 may be disposed inside further than the upper end portion of the exhaust tube 382.
Hereafter, a configuration and arrangement of the humidifying module and an arrangement of a sealer, the middle tray, and the inner shell will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .
The humidifier may include the supply tube 230 that supplies water stored in the water tank 100 to the first humidifying water tank 300. The supply tube 230 may be disposed between the water tank 100 and the first humidifying water tank 300. The supply tube 230 may temporarily store water that is discharged from the water tank 100 and supplied to the first humidifying water tank 300.
The humidifier may include a humidifying module housing 401 forming a space in which the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350 are disposed. The display 30 may be disposed on a side of the humidifying module housing 410. The middle tray 200 may be disposed over the humidifying module housing 410.
A supply chamber 232 in which water is temporarily stored may be formed in the supply tube 230. A sensor 234 that senses a hardness of water stored in the supply tube 230 may be disposed on or at a side of the supply tube 230.
An upper end portion of the supply tube 230 may protrude upward from the middle tray 200. The upper end portion of the supply tube 230 may be disposed through the first hole 204 formed on the middle tray 200 and may be connected with the inner water tank 102 disposed over the supply tube 230.
The humidifier may include a humidifying module that heats water and produces humidified air. The humidifying module may include the first humidifying water tank 300 that heats water and the second humidifying water tank 350 that produces humidified air using an oscillator 370.
The humidifier may include a first connection tube 390 and a second connection tube (not shown) that connect the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350. The first connection tube 390 may supply water heated in the first humidifying water tank 300 to the second humidifying water tank 350. A second valve (not shown) that opens/closes the first connection tube 390 may be disposed in the first connection tube 390. A pump (not shown) that supplies water stored in the second humidifying water tank 350 to the first humidifying water tank 300 may be disposed in the second connection tube.
The first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350 may be connected through a connecting tube 310 disposed over the first connection tube 390. The first humidifying water tank wall 302 may have a cylindrical shape in which water is stored. An underside of the first humidifying water tank wall 302 may be open and a heater 340 may be disposed under the first humidifying water tank wall 302.
The first humidifying water tank 300 may include upper covers 322 and 326 disposed over the first humidifying water tank wall 302. The upper covers 322 and 326 may be disposed over an upper water tank wall 304.
The upper covers 322 and 326 may cover at least a portion of a top of the first humidifying water tank wall 302. The upper covers 322 and 326 may include first upper cover 322, and second upper cover 326 disposed under the first upper cover 322.
A connecting channel 311 that connects the first humidifying water tank 300 and the second humidifying water tank 350 may be formed in the connecting tube 310. Humidified air produced and flowing upward in the first humidifying water tank 300 may flow to the second humidifying water tank 350 through the connecting channel 311.
The second humidifying water tank 350 may include the second humidifying water tank wall 352 forming a space in which water is stored, and the oscillator 370 disposed under the second humidifying water tank wall 352 and vibrating to atomize the water inside of the second humidifying water tank wall 352. Two oscillators 370 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the second humidifying water tank wall 352. The two oscillators 370 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.
The second humidifying water tank 350 may include a humidifying water tank cover 380 disposed over the second humidifying water tank wall 352. The humidifying water tank cover 380 may supply humidified air produced inside of the second humidifying water tank wall 352 to the first discharge channel 32.
The humidifying water tank cover 380 may include the exhaust tube 382 to send humidified air upward. The exhaust tube 382 may extend upward from the humidifying water tank cover 380. The exhaust tube 382 may have a substantially elliptical pillar shape, for example.
An upper end of the exhaust tube 382 may be disposed to be in contact with the middle tray 200. With this configuration, the upper end of the exhaust tube 382 may be disposed to be in direct contact with the middle tray 200 or in indirect contact with the middle tray 200 through a separate sealer 388.
The exhaust tube 382 may be disposed under the middle tray 200. The exhaust tube 382 may be disposed under the inner shell 180.
The sealer 388 may be disposed between the exhaust tube 382 and the middle tray 200. The sealer 388 may be disposed between the exhaust tube 382 and the inner shell 180. The sealer 388 may be disposed between the exhaust tube 382 and the middle tray 200 and/or the inner shell 180.
The sealer 388 may prevent water that is moved upward by the oscillator 370 disposed in the second humidifying water tank 350 from flowing between the exhaust tube 382 and the middle tray 200. Further, the sealer 388 may prevent water that is moved upward by the oscillator 370 disposed in the second humidifying water tank 350 from flowing between the exhaust tube 382 and the inner shell 180. When condensate water produced in the inner shell 280 flows downward, the sealer 388 may prevent the condensate water from flowing between the exhaust tube 382 and the inner shell 180.
An exhaust tube inlet 382 a (or an exhaust tube hole) may be formed on a lower end of the exhaust tube 382. An exhaust tube outlet 382 b may be formed on the upper end of the exhaust tube 382. The exhaust tube 382 may form an exhaust tube channel 383 between the exhaust tube inlet 382 a and the exhaust tube outlet 382 b.
An air supply hole 387 may be formed at a side of the humidifying water tank cover 380. External air may flow into the second humidifying water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387. The air supply hole 387 may have an upward open shape.
The humidifying water tank cover 380 may include an air guide cover 386 that guides air flowing through the blower channel 70 to the second humidifying water tank wall 352. The air guide cover 386 guides a portion of air, which flows outside of the humidifying module housing 410, to flow into the second humidifying water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387. An air guide rib 412 that converts a rotational stream flowing along the humidifying module housing 410 into a rising stream may be disposed under the air guide cover 386.
The air guide cover 386 may extend outward from a circumferential surface of the humidifying module housing 410. Accordingly, the air guide cover 386 may guide air flowing upward along the blower channel 70 such that a portion of the air flows to the second humidifying water tank wall 352.
A lower extension wall 384 may be disposed between the exhaust tube inlet 382 a and the air supply hole 387. The lower extension wall 384 may have a shape bending toward the exhaust tube inlet 382 a when viewed from above. Accordingly, the air flowing in the second humidifying water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387 may flow along a lower portion and an inner circumferential surface of the second humidifying water tank wall 352.
The lower extension wall 384 may extend downward between the exhaust tube inlet 382 a and the air supply hole 387. The lower extension wall 384 may direct the air flowing in the second humidifying water tank wall 352 through the air supply hole 387 so as to flow under the second humidifying water tank wall 352.
Hereafter, structure of the sealer and a configuration and arrangement of relevant components will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The sealer 388 may be disposed over the exhaust tube 382. The sealer 388 may be seated at the upper end of the exhaust tube 382. The sealer 388 may be disposed to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382.
The sealer 388 may include a first contact wall 388 a disposed to be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382, a second contact wall 388 b disposed to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382, and a connection wall 388 c that connects an upper end of the first contact wall 388 a and an upper end of the second contact wall 388 b. The middle tray 200 may be seated over the sealer 388.
The sealer 388 may include an inner protrusion 389 that protrudes radially inward such that a lower end portion of the inner shell 180 is seated thereon. The exhaust connection tube 192 of the inner shell 180 may be disposed over the inner protrusion 389. The lower end portion of the exhaust connection tube 192 may be disposed over the inner protrusion 389. The inner protrusion 389 may be spaced downward a predetermined distance apart from an upper end of the sealer 388.
A length 389 d of a diameter formed by an inner circumferential surface of the inner protrusion 389 may be larger than a length 192 d of a diameter of an inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the inner shell 180. That is, the lower end of the inner shell 180 may protrude toward the inside of the sealer 388 further than the inner protrusion 389. Accordingly, condensate water produced in the first discharge channel 32 and flowing under the inner shell 180 may flow into the second humidifying water tank 350 through the exhaust tube 382.
The lower end 196 of the exhaust connection tube 192 may include a first lower end surface 196 a disposed over the inner protrusion 389, and a second lower end surface 196 b spaced apart radially outward from the first lower end surface 196 a and spaced apart upward from the first lower end surface 196 a The first lower end surface 196 a and the second lower end surface 196 b may be connected to a vertical surface 196 c that extends upward. The first lower end surface 196 a and the second lower end surface 196 b may be formed in a step shape.
The inner protrusion 389 may be disposed under the first lower end surface 196 a. The first lower end surface 196 a may be disposed to be in contact with the inner protrusion 389.
The connection wall 388 c of the sealer 388 may be disposed under the second lower end surface 196 b. The middle tray 200 may be disposed under the second lower end surface 196 b. The second flange 210 of the middle tray 200 may be disposed under the second lower end surface 196 b.
The middle tray 200 may be disposed between the second lower end surface 196 b of the inner shell 180 and the upper end surface of the sealer 388. The second flange 210 of the middle tray 200 may be disposed between the connection wall 388 c of the sealer 388 and the second lower end surface 196 b of the inner shell 180.
The middle tray 200 may be disposed to be in contact with two surfaces of each of the connection wall 388 c of the sealer 388 and the second contact wall 388 b. The second flange 210 of the middle tray 200 may be disposed to be in contact with the connection wall 388 c of the sealer 388. Further, a wall 211 that extends upward for the second flange 210 of the middle tray 200 may be disposed to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the second contact wall 388 b.
An extension length 388 bl of the second contact wall 388 b downward from the connection wall 388 c may be larger than an extension length 388 al of the first contact wall 388 a downward from the connection wall 388 c. When water splashed upward by operation of the oscillator 370 disposed in the second humidifying water tank 350 moves to the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382, the water may flow into the second humidifying water tank 350 along the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382.
When water splashed upward by operation of the oscillator 370 disposed in the second humidifying water tank 350 moves to the inner circumferential surface of the sealer 388, the water may flow into the second humidifying water tank 350 along the inner circumferential surface of the sealer 388 and the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382. When water splashed upward by operation of the oscillator 370 disposed in the second humidifying water tank 350 moves to the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust connection tube 192, the water may sequentially flow to the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust connection tube 192, the inner circumferential surface of the sealer 388, and the inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube 382, thereby being able to flow into the second humidifying water tank 350.
By shapes of the first lower end surface 196 a and the second lower end surface 196 b of the exhaust connection tube 192, water may be prevented from flowing between the inner shell 180 and the exhaust tube 382 in spite of upward splashing of water in the second humidifying water tank 350. Further, as the sealer 388 is disposed between the second lower end surface 196 b of the exhaust connection tube 192 and the exhaust tube 382 and the second flange 210 of the middle tray 200 is disposed between the second lower end surface 196 b of the exhaust connection tube 192 and the sealer 388, it is possible to completely prevent water from flowing between the exhaust tube 382 and the exhaust connection tube 192.
A humidifier according to embodiments has a structure in which a configuration forming a discharge channel is separated from a humidifying water tank that produces humidified air. With this configuration, water splashed up by an oscillator of the humidifying water tank may flow to a region between the configuration forming the discharge channel and the humidifying water tank. This may cause a problem in that water leaks outside of spaces of the humidifying water tank and the discharge channel. Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier for solving this problem.
In a humidifier according to embodiments, means for sensing a weight of a water tank or emitting light toward a discharge channel may be disposed between a humidifying water tank and the discharge channel. As electric devices are provided, such electric device may malfunction when water flows into a space containing the electric devices. Accordingly, when water flows to the space, in which the electric devices are disposed, between the humidifying water tank and the discharge channel, a problem of a malfunction of the electric devices may be generated. Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier for solving this problem. Condensate water may be produced in a discharge channel where humidified air flows. Such condensate water may flow down due to gravity and flow to a space in which a humidifying water tank is disposed. However, condensate water produced in the discharge channel may flow to a space formed between the humidifying water tank and the discharge channel while flowing to the humidifying water tank. This may cause a problem in that water leaks outside of the spaces of the humidifying water tank and the discharge channel. Embodiments disclosed herein provide a humidifier for solving this problem.
Advantages are not limited to the advantages described above and other advantages will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
In order to achieve the advantages discussed above and others, a humidifier according to embodiments disclosed herein may include a water tank that stores water, a humidifying water tank disposed under the water tank that produces humidified air from water supplied from the water tank, an inner shell that forms a space in which the water tank is disposed, and disposed to be spaced apart from an outer circumferential portion of the water tank, an exhaust tube that extends upward to send humidified air produced in the humidifying water tank to a discharge channel formed between the water tank and the inner shell, and a sealer disposed to seal the portion between the exhaust tube and the inner shell, so it is possible to prevent water splashed upward by an oscillator from flowing between the exhaust tube and the inner shell. The water tank may be disposed to apply a load to the inner shell disposed over the sealer, so that a portion around the sealer may be in closer contact.
The sealer may be disposed between the inner shell and the exhaust tube and extend downward to be in contact with each of an inner surface and an outer surface of the exhaust tube, so that a sealing force around the exhaust tube may be increased. The sealer may include an inner protrusion that protrudes radially inward such that a lower end portion of the inner shell is seated thereon, so water dropping from the inner shell may naturally flow to the exhaust tube. The inner protrusion may be disposed at a position spaced downward a predetermined distance apart from an upper end of the sealer, so it is possible to prevent water from flowing between the exhaust tube and the inner shell.
An inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the inner shell has a structure that protrudes inward further than the inner protrusion, so condensate water produced in the discharge channel may smoothly flow to the exhaust tube when flowing under the inner shell.
The sealer may include a first contact wall disposed to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube, a second contact wall disposed to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the exhaust tube, and a connection wall that connects an upper end of the first contact wall and an upper end of the second contact wall. A length of the first contact wall may be smaller than a length of the second contact wall.
The sealer may further include an inner protrusion that protrudes inward from the first contact wall at a position spaced downward apart from an upper end of the connection wall. A lower end portion of the inner shell may have a step shape disposed over each of the inner protrusion and the connection wall, so it is possible to prevent water from flowing between the inner shell and the exhaust tube.
A bottom surface of the inner shell may include an exhaust connection wall that protrudes downward and connected with the exhaust tube. The sealer may be disposed between the exhaust connection wall and the exhaust tube.
The lower end of the exhaust connection wall may include a first lower end surface disposed over the inner protrusion, and a second lower end surface disposed to be spaced apart radially outward from the first lower end surface and to be spaced apart upward from the first lower end surface. The inner protrusion may protrude under the first lower end surface, and the connection wall may be disposed under the second lower end surface, whereby two lower end surfaces disposed at different positions are disposed over different structures, so it is possible to prevent splashing water from flowing into the exhaust tube.
The humidifier may include a middle tray disposed under the water tank and the inner shell and that supports the inner shell. A hole formed such that humidified air discharged from the humidifying water tank flows may be formed on the middle tray. The middle tray may be disposed to be in contact with each of an upper end of the sealer and a lower end of the inner shell between the sealer and the inner shell, so it is possible to prevent water from flowing between the middle tray and the exhaust tube.
A flange that protrudes upward around the hole may be disposed at the middle tray, and the flange may be disposed to be in contact with each of the upper end of the sealer and the lower end of the inner shell between the sealer and the inner shell, so it is possible to prevent water existing between the inner shell and the middle tray from flowing to the exhaust tube and it is possible to prevent water from flowing between the inner shell and the middle tray from the exhaust tube.
The lower end of the inner shell may include a first lower end surface disposed over the inner protrusion, and a second lower end surface disposed to be spaced apart radially outward from the first lower end surface and to be spaced apart upward from the first lower end surface. The sealer may include an inner protrusion that protrudes radially inward such that a lower end portion of the inner shell is seated thereon. The first lower end surface may be disposed to be in contact with the inner protrusion, and the second lower end surface may be disposed to be in contact with the flange.
A diameter of an inner circumferential surface of a lower end portion of the inner shell may be larger than a diameter of an inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube, so water dropping from over the inner shell can flow to the humidifying water tank through the exhaust tube. The water tank and the inner shell may be disposed to be separable over the exhaust tube.
The humidifier according to embodiments may include a water tank that stores water, a humidifying water tank disposed under the water tank and that produces humidified air from water supplied from the water tank using ultrasonic vibration, a middle tray disposed between the water tank and the humidifying water tank and having a hole being open in an upward-downward direction, an exhaust tube disposed under the middle tray and directing humidified air produced in the humidifying water tank to a portion over the middle tray through the hole, and a sealer disposed between the exhaust tube and the middle tray, so it is possible to prevent water flowing between the middle tray and the exhaust tube.
According to the humidifier disclosed herein, one or more advantages may be achieved as follows.
First, water flow between the exhaust tube and the inner shell may be prevented by disposing the sealer even in a structure in which the humidifying water tank and the configuration forming the discharge channel are separately formed and combined, so it is possible to prevent water from flowing out of the section in which the water tank and the discharge channel are formed.
Further, as the water tank that is the structure forming the discharge channel and the inner shell are disposed to be separable from the humidifying water tank or the exhaust tube, it is possible to individually manage the configuration forming the discharge channel. The advantage of this is that it is possible to easily manage the configuration forming the discharge channel in which water continuously exists. The advantage of this is that it is possible to keep components, which may be contaminated by moisture, clean.
Second, water is prevented from flowing into a space where electric devices for driving the humidifier are disposed, so there is the advantage of it being possible to maintain stable operation of the humidifier.
Third, it is possible to prevent condensate water produced in the discharge channel from leaking between configurations using a structure in which the condensate water produced in the discharge channel flows back to the humidifying water tank. It is possible to prevent water from leaking to regions excluding the humidifying water tank and the discharge channel, so there is the advantage in that it is possible to maintain stable operation of the humidifier.
Advantages are not limited to those described above and other advantages not stated herein may be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the claims.
Although exemplary embodiments were illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments and may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope described in claims, and the modified examples should not be construed independently from the spirit of the scope.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A humidifier, comprising:

a water tank that stores water;

at least one humidifying water tank disposed under the water tank that produces humidified air from the water supplied from the water tank;

an inner shell that forms a space in which the water tank is disposed, the inner shell being spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the water tank;

an exhaust tube that extends upward to send humidified air produced in the at least one humidifying water tank to a discharge channel formed between the water tank and the inner shell; and

a sealer that seals a portion between the exhaust tube and the inner shell.

2. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water tank is positioned such that it applies a load to the inner shell disposed over the sealer.

3. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the sealer is disposed between the inner shell and the exhaust tube and extends downward to be in contact with each of an inner surface and an outer surface of the exhaust tube.

4. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the sealer includes an inner protrusion that protrudes radially inward such that a lower end portion of the inner shell is seated thereon.

5. The humidifier of claim 4, wherein the inner protrusion is disposed at a position spaced downward a predetermined distance apart from an upper end of the sealer.

6. The humidifier of claim 4, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the inner shell protrudes inward further than the inner protrusion.

7. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the sealer includes:

a first contact wall disposed to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube;

a second contact wall disposed to be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the exhaust tube; and

a connection wall that connects an upper end of the first contact wall and an upper end of the second contact wall.

8. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein a length of the first contact wall is smaller than a length of the second contact wall.

9. The humidifier of claim 7, wherein the sealer further includes an inner protrusion that protrudes inward from the first contact wall at a position spaced downward apart from an upper end of the connection wall, and wherein a lower end portion of the inner shell has a step shape disposed over each of the inner protrusion and the connection wall.

10. The humidifier of claim 9, wherein a bottom surface of the inner shell includes an exhaust connection wall that protrudes downward, and wherein the sealer is disposed between the exhaust connection wall and the exhaust tube.

11. The humidifier of claim 10, wherein a lower end of the exhaust connection wall includes:

a first lower end surface disposed over the inner protrusion; and

a second lower end surface spaced apart radially outward from the first lower end surface and spaced apart upward from the first lower end surface, wherein the inner protrusion protrudes under the first lower end surface, and wherein the connection wall is disposed under the second lower end surface.

12. The humidifier of claim 1, further comprising a middle tray disposed under the water tank and the inner shell, the middle tray supporting the inner shell, wherein a hole through which humidified air discharged from the at least one humidifying water tank flows is formed on the middle tray, and wherein the middle tray is disposed to be in contact with each of an upper end of the sealer and a lower end of the inner shell between the sealer and the inner shell.

13. The humidifier of claim 12, wherein a flange that protrudes upward around the hole is disposed at the middle tray, and wherein the flange is disposed to be in contact with each of the upper end of the sealer and the lower end of the inner shell between the sealer and the inner shell.

14. The humidifier of claim 13, wherein the sealer includes an inner protrusion that protrudes radially inward such that a lower end portion of the inner shell is seated thereon, wherein the inner shell includes:

a first lower end surface disposed over the inner protrusion; and

a second lower end surface spaced apart radially outward from the first lower end surface and spaced apart upward from the first lower end surface, wherein the first lower end surface is disposed to be in contact with the inner protrusion, and wherein the second lower end surface is disposed to be in contact with the flange.

15. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein a diameter of an inner circumferential surface of a lower end portion of the inner shell is larger than a diameter of an inner circumferential surface of the exhaust tube.

16. The humidifier of claim 1, wherein the water tank and the inner shell are disposed to be separable over the exhaust tube.

17. A humidifier, comprising:

a water tank that stores water;

at least one humidifying water tank disposed under the water tank that produces humidified air from water supplied from the water tank using an ultrasonic vibration;

a middle tray disposed between the water tank and the at least one humidifying water tank and having a hole open in an upward-downward direction;

an exhaust tube disposed under the middle tray that guides humidified air produced in the at least one humidifying water tank to a portion over the middle tray through the hole; and

a sealer disposed between the exhaust tube and the middle tray.

18. The humidifier of claim 17, wherein the sealer includes:

19. The humidifier of claim 18, wherein a length of the first contact wall is smaller than a length of the second contact wall.

20. The humidifier of claim 18, wherein the sealer further includes an inner protrusion that protrudes inward from the first contact wall at a position spaced downward apart from an upper end of the connection wall, and wherein a lower end portion of the inner shell has a step shape disposed over each of the inner protrusion and the connection wall.